Fans, downtown businesses and sports bars throughout Nashville celebrated the news Sunday that the NHL lockout is all but over, but the Nashville Predators will still have to work to lure some resentful fans back into Bridgestone Arena this season.

Fans posted reactions to the National Hockey League's tentative agreement with the NHL Players' Association throughout Sunday, with responses ranging from bubbling enthusiasm to reluctant endorsement to rants about the league and suggestions to boycott the shortened season. "Greedy" was a word used several times in conjunction with light profanity.

"Be ready to hear our disgust rain down in boos," wrote Scott Rose, who said he would still attend games, on the Predators' Facebook page.

Brandy Simmons Landtroop suggested fans get free concessions opening night, while Greg Layman said he expected a "We Are Sorry" banner to be hung inside and outside the arena.

But for all the boycott threats and angry jeers, there were twice as many posts of sheer excitement and support.

"Can't wait can't wait can't wait!!!!!!!!" wrote Cherie White on the same page.

"Make some noise for our boys!!!" wrote Ali Jo.

Village Pub & Beer Garden wrote on its Facebook page: "Go Preds Go!!!! I've been waiting MONTHS to say that......"

The NHL and the players' association struck a tentative deal early Sunday that would end the lockout that began in September. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said any abbreviated regular season should have a minimum of 48 games per team.

Broadway Brewhouse downtown manager and season ticket holder Chris Ray said that while he is "elated" about the tentative agreement, he is not celebrating until the deal is official.

"I'm somewhat skeptical until they actually put the ink to the paper," he said, adding hockey games are especially critical in the first quarter and can as much as double daily revenue this time of year. "We especially count on that in January, February and March when there is not that much going on downtown. There's less tourism, there's no football.”

Ray encouraged those considering boycotts to overcome their frustrations with the league.

"It wasn't necessarily our ownership group and it wasn't necessarily our players that were pushing the lockout to go on this long," he said. "That's just punishing further the businesses and people that live and work downtown."

The Predators announced a Preds Pride Day Sunday, encouraging fans to wear their Preds gear to rebuild enthusiasm for the team.

"Our staff has been working pretty hard over the past year making sure we are connecting with fans and partners and trying to keep the community spirit alive," said Predators President Sean Henry. "It's going to be exciting for all that to (come into play) when we do return to the ice."